Chapter 28: Clara, Don't Push Me

"Clara, are you free tonight? I'd like to take you to dinner—just a gathering between friends."

Lucas’s voice came through, warm and polite.

Paired with his angelic appearance, he was practically beyond reproach.

Clara hesitated for a moment. There were no performances scheduled for the troupe recently, so her schedule was relatively open.

Thinking about the fashion show Lucas had mentioned earlier, she nodded. "Alright. You pick the place."

"Then let's go now!" Lucas’s voice carried a hint of delight.

At seven in the evening, Clara appeared punctually at "Cloud" restaurant.

It was a high-end establishment located in the city center, famous for its exquisite French cuisine and unparalleled night views.

"Miss Clara, has anyone ever told you? You are truly beautiful."

Lucas pulled out her chair with gentlemanly grace, his gaze lingering on her with undisguised admiration.

Clara offered a faint smile but said little.

Today, she wore a simple black dress with her long hair draped casually over her shoulders; she looked both elegant and effortless.

After they were seated, Lucas began to order.

He was a witty conversationalist, making Clara let out a soft laugh from time to time.

The atmosphere was light and pleasant. Clara gradually lowered her guard, enjoying this rare moment of relaxation.

However, they had no idea that in another corner of the restaurant, Alistair Vance was staring at them coldly.

He had originally come to the restaurant for a business meeting, never expecting to see Clara here.

What shocked him even more was that she was laughing and talking with a strange man, looking quite intimate.

Alistair’s face darkened almost instantly.

His fingers tapped unconsciously on the table, his gaze fixed so intensely on them it was as if he wanted to burn a hole through the man’s back.

"Mr. Vance, regarding this contract..."

The business partner opposite him spoke up cautiously, only to be cut off by Alistair’s raised hand.

"My apologies. Today’s meeting ends here."

Alistair’s voice was as cold as ice, his eyes never leaving Clara.

The partner was stunned but wisely stood up and left.

Alistair remained in his seat, his fingers gripping his wine glass so tightly his knuckles turned white.

He didn't step forward to interrupt them; instead, he chose to observe from the shadows.

He wanted to know exactly what the relationship was between Clara and that man.

The dinner proceeded smoothly, and Lucas and Clara found they had much in common.

After the meal, just as Lucas was about to suggest heading to a nearby bar, a waiter approached. He spoke respectfully to Lucas: "Sir, the designer Lou Chen is upstairs. Hearing you were here, he would like to invite you for a brief meeting."

Lucas was surprised, then looked at Clara with an apologetic tone. "I'm sorry, I might need to step upstairs for a moment. Would you like to join me?"

Clara shook her head, seizing the opportunity to leave. "No thank you. I'm actually a bit tired and would like to head home."

Lucas nodded, his voice tender. "Then let me drive you back."

"That's alright, I can manage." Clara offered a firm, steady smile.

Lucas didn't insist further, merely saying softly, "Very well. Get home safely. Let's make plans for another day."

Clara nodded. After watching Lucas leave, she also prepared to depart.

However, just then, another waiter approached and spoke respectfully to Clara: "Miss Jian, are you the sister of Mr. Julian Jian?"

Clara was startled and nodded. "Yes, I am. Why do you ask?"

The waiter smiled. "Mr. Julian left a jacket here when he dined with us a few days ago. We've been keeping it safe. Would it be convenient for you to take it back to him?"

Clara frowned, a hint of doubt rising in her heart.

Julian hadn't mentioned this recently. Still, she nodded. "Alright, I'll come get it."

As the waiter led the way, Clara’s fingers flew across her phone screen.

The reply from the other side came almost instantly.

[Julian: No, I haven't been to Cloud in ages. Why?]

Clara arched an eyebrow. She understood immediately who was behind this.

She just hadn't expected Alistair Vance to resort to such a childish trick.

The waiter led Clara upstairs, through a long corridor, and finally stopped at a private booth.

He bowed slightly, gesturing for her to enter.

Clara pushed the door open. Before her was a luxuriously decorated private room.

However, there was no jacket belonging to Julian inside. There was only one person—Alistair Vance.

He sat on the sofa with a glass of red wine in his hand, watching her coldly with a half-smile that didn't reach his eyes.

Clara’s heart sank as she realized the situation.

She looked at Alistair with a mocking glare. "What is the meaning of this, Master Vance? Luring me up here like this is a bit too immature, don't you think?"

Alistair didn't answer immediately. Instead, he swirled the wine in his glass, his eyes fixed on her face. His voice was low and icy. "Clara, did you enjoy yourself tonight?"

Clara frowned, her tone distant. "Is Master Vance stalking me now?"

A cold smirk played on Alistair’s lips, his voice laced with suppressed fury. "Stalking? Clara, have you forgotten? This restaurant is one of the properties under my name."

Clara’s pupils contracted as the pieces clicked into place.

No wonder the waiter had suddenly mentioned Julian’s jacket; Alistair had orchestrated the whole thing.

She let out a short, cynical laugh. "Master Vance certainly went to a lot of trouble."

Alistair’s gaze remained pinned on her, the emotions in the depths of his eyes churning violently.

He set his glass down and walked toward her step by step, his voice low and freezing. "Clara, do you think I’m that easy to fool?"

Clara stood her ground, showing no sign of backing down.

She met his gaze with a calm, indifferent stare. "What do you mean? Do I need to report to you just to have a meal with a friend?"

"A friend?" Alistair’s brow furrowed tightly, his voice thick with suppressed rage. "That man... is he truly just a friend?"

Clara let out a light laugh, her tone casual. "What else would he be? Who did Master Vance think he was to me?"

Alistair’s breath hitched, and the turmoil in his eyes intensified.

He looked down at Clara as if trying to read her soul.

However, Clara’s gaze remained steady and detached, as if she were the one in complete control.

After a long silence, Alistair finally spoke, his voice low and raspy. "Clara, don't push me."

Clara met his eyes, a faint smile on her lips. "Is Master Vance threatening me?"

Alistair’s fist tightened slightly, a flash of resolve appearing in his eyes. "Clara, I’m done playing this game. You are mine. I won't allow anyone else to get near you."

Clara let out a short, mocking laugh. "Master Vance, have you forgotten? There is no such relationship between us."